A fire broke out on the passenger-cargo ferry MV June Aster near Palawan in the Philippines on Wednesday evening, killing at least five people and leaving more than 80 others missing. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members, for a total of 134 people on board. The ship was traveling from Manila to the popular tourist destination of Coron when the blaze erupted around 6:45 p.m. local time. Search and rescue operations remain underway, and officials have cautioned that the casualty figures may change as efforts continue.

Survivors and early accounts suggest the fire may have started in the cargo hold following a loud explosion. The ferry was transporting vehicles and other goods in addition to passengers. Thick smoke and intense heat have prevented rescuers from boarding the still-burning vessel, which remains afloat but inaccessible. Video released by authorities shows the ship engulfed in flames and people being pulled from the water into rescue boats.

Forty-three people have been rescued so far, including some who jumped overboard without life jackets. Several survivors were taken to hospitals on Coron and the neighboring island of Culion for treatment. Rough seas in the area have complicated the search, slowing the work of Coast Guard vessels, military boats, local fishermen and private craft that joined the effort overnight. One military aircraft has also been placed on standby.

The MV June Aster had departed Manila the previous evening and was nearing the end of its voyage when the fire started just over a nautical mile from shore. Coast Guard officials said the vessel had passed safety inspections prior to the trip. The shipping company has expressed profound sadness and pledged full cooperation with the investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Maritime accidents remain a recurring concern in the Philippines, where inter-island ferries form a vital transportation network. This incident stands out because of the high number of people still unaccounted for and the difficulty of reaching the burning wreck. Families of passengers and crew are waiting anxiously for updates as search teams comb the waters around Coron.

Authorities continue to prioritize locating the missing while working to extinguish the fire and secure the scene. The coming hours will be critical in determining how many more survivors can be found. For now, the MV June Aster fire ranks among the most serious recent maritime disasters in the region, with the full human toll still emerging.